KTT Lightning vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that you might come across are the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Peach. Both switches fall under the category of linear switches, providing a smooth and consistent typing experience. However, they offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The KTT Lightnings are well-known for their "speed" attribute, making them ideal for those who value quick response times in gaming scenarios. With a clacky sound profile and a slick type feel, these switches offer a satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Peaches are specially designed to be lightweight and silenced. This combination creates a feathery light typing experience, ideal for linear switch enthusiasts. While the Lightning switch excels in providing a more pronounced sound and an emphasis on speed, the Peach switch offers a more muted and subtle typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide which switch suits your preferences best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Lightning and the Outemu Outemu Peach differ in terms of their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Lightning utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which produces a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder sound profile. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning showcases a more vibrant and pronounced sound, while the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach provides a richer and fuller sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Lightning and the Outemu Peach utilize nylon as their material. This results in a similar effect on the sound profiles of the switches. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound experience while typing on the switches. Whether it's the Lightning or the Outemu Peach, users can expect a similar impact on the sound and feel of the bottom-out motion. Both switches offer a robust and enhanced typing experience, thanks to the use of nylon in their bottom housing.
It's worth noting that while the top and bottom housings of a switch have different impacts on the overall sound profile, they both contribute to the overall typing experience. The bottom housing, as mentioned earlier, affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing has a more pronounced impact when releasing a key. The polycarbonate top housing of the Lightning emphasizes a sharp and resonant sound when keys are released, while the nylon top housing of the Outemu Peach produces a rounder and more subdued sound on key release. Overall, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on the different qualities of their top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a consistent and satisfying typing experience. However, when it comes to the actuation force, there is a slight difference. The Lightning switch requires 43 grams of force to trigger a keystroke, while the Peach switch requires 40 grams. This means that the Peach switch has a slightly lighter touch when it comes to initial activation.
For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Outemu Peach switch may be the better choice. The lighter actuation force allows for quicker and more effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for those who are looking for speed and precision in their typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a bit more resistance or a stronger push feel may opt for the KTT Lightning switch. The slightly higher actuation force provides a more substantial typing experience, giving a sense of tactile feedback and precision.
In terms of weight and its impact on typing comfort, both switches fall into the lighter range, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or long gaming sessions without causing too much fatigue. Overall, whether you choose the KTT Lightning switch or the Outemu Peach switch, you can expect a smooth and enjoyable typing experience with relatively light forces required for both actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
The KTT Lightning linear switch and the Outemu Outemu Peach linear switch have slightly different travel distances. The Lightning has a travel distance of 3 mm, while the Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Although both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, the Lightning is slightly shorter than the Peach. For those who prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Lightning may be the preferred choice due to its shorter travel distance. However, some individuals may find the shorter travel distance to feel abrupt or lacking in depth. In such cases, the Peach switch with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41, whereas the Outemu Peach comes in at $3.40.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the KTT Lightning switch is best described as clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy. This means that when pressed, it produces a sharp and snappy sound with a crisp and bright profile. It also has a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach switch is described as neutral and muted. It has a softer and quieter sound compared to regular or clacky switches, making it perfect for those who prefer a more subdued typing experience. The sound produced by both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Lightning and Peach switches share similar qualities. They are described as having a subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing experience without being overly feather-light. This makes them approachable to most users, as their qualities fall within a safe middle-ground zone. Additionally, both switches are described as polished, meaning they have a smooth and refined finish that results in sleek key travel with reduced friction. The smoothness of the typing experience can be attributed to either the materials used or factory lubing.
Taking all the available information into account, the Lightning and Peach switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound, but share similar qualities in terms of feel. The KTT Lightning is known for its clacky, high-pitched, and chirpy sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a sharp and percussive sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach offers a neutral and muted sound, providing a softer and quieter typing experience. However, both switches provide a subtle resistance and a polished finish, resulting in a light and smooth typing feel. Therefore, if you are looking for a lightweight linear switch, you can expect a feathery light typing experience with either switch, although the sound profiles may differ.
Conclusion
To sum up, if milliseconds can determine your success or failure, the KTT Lightning linear switch is the perfect choice due to its speed and slick typing feel. It offers a clacky sound profile, which can provide a crisp and bright sound experience when pressed. On the other hand, if you prefer a feathery light typing experience with a muted sound, the Outemu Peach linear switch is the way to go. These switches are special as they are lightweight and silenced, making them suitable for linear switch enthusiasts. Both switches have subtle resistance, providing a gentle typing feel, and a polished finish for smooth key travel. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether you prioritize speed and clacky sound or a lightweight and muted typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
